We initially wanted to do a road trip to France for about a week, but since we got engaged - rather unplanned I suppose - we had to take care of certain things for the wedding and cut our road trip short. So we decided to just check out some nearby places in Belgium that I haven't been to, and I suggested to visit Chimay.
Chimay is a good 2 hour drive from Kalken, where Olivier lives. I know if it because of the popular Chimay beer, but he told me that they also make good cheese and it's a pretty little town. So off to Chimay we went for just a day to get ourselves stuffed with cheese and washed down with beer.
We stayed in an Airbnb and the owner of the house has a lovely garden and a ridiculously adorable dog. The lady of the house only spoke in French, but luckily Olivier is quite fluent and he'd translate the conversation for me. She has two beautiful dogs who accompany her since she lost her husband some years ago. That day she was busy getting the backyard ready for the grandchildren's visit.
After getting settled we walked around town. There is a protestant church near the castle and we came to have a look inside. Afterwards we chilled at the town square for some beers and cheese, of course. There was a giant chess board and some games that kept Lovro busy, much to our delight.
We walked around towards the greener side of the town and enjoyed spotting some tiny strawberries and berries that we orientals definitely don't get to see everyday. Lovro didn't quite like the tiny strawberries coz he got a sour one. He did enjoy goofing around with Olivier though, which is endearing to me as he will soon be calling him papa.
The next morning was when we decided to visit Château de Chimay. This lovely castle was home to the 22nd Prince of Chimay and his ancestors - and still the home of the last living elderly Princess. It is open to the public on certain times of the year. There are 4 rooms inside the castle that the public can visit. Lovro definitely enjoyed the room full of armour, and I love the theatre. Outside the castle is the artist's home where they feature an artist to put up an exhibit.
We drove to the Ardennes after this overnight trip, but we truly enjoyed the visit. Although, if we had more time, I'd definitely have wanted to visit Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont where the Trappist beer is brewed. I don't think visitors are allowed to see the brewing process, but to learn of the history of the Trappist beer and to see the beautiful monastery would be good enough.
If you have a day and want to visit an interesting town in Belgium that is not overly touristy, Chimay is a good destination to consider.
